Clair plans to climb up the Gherkin for the NSPCC’s Childline

CHILDLINE counsellor Claire Arnott is in training to climb her way up a giant gherkin. She’s accepted a challenge to take 1,000 steps up the City’s iconic Gherkin office block to raise money to expand the NSPCC’s national call centre where she volunteers

CHILDLINE counsellor Claire Arnott is in training to climb her way up a giant gherkin.

She's accepted a challenge to take 1,000 steps up the City's iconic Gherkin office block near Aldgate, to raise money to expand the NSPCC's national call centre at Spitalfields where she volunteers.

"I've seen the difference projects make to children's lives," explained the 28-year-old development manager. "I talk regularly to children and young people who are desperate and feel they have nowhere else to turn."

The charity aims to raise �125,000 for its Child's Voice appeal and has been given exclusive access to the gherkin-shape tower block at St Mary Axe for teams and individuals to run up 38 flights to reach the bar at the top for a glass of champagne.

The charity is looking for more volunteers to take the challenge on February 7 to register online

For the Step Change, phone 020-7650 3426 or drop an email here.